At this time of year, grain is ripening in the fields, there’s crops of fruits ready and gardens are lush with colour. This first harvest is celebrated as Lammas (also known as Lughasadh) and takes place on 1st August in the Northern hemisphere this year. The word ‘Lammas’ comes from ‘loaf mass’ as traditionally bread would … Continue reading Lammas – Celebrating Abundance
My turn on the Lovely Blog Hop
I’ve been asked by my fabulous friend, Jessica Redland, to take part in the Lovely Blog Hop where writers talk about some of the things which have shaped their lives and their writing. Jessica lives not far from me in Scarborough and we often meet up for cake and to talk about writing. Her first … Continue reading My turn on the Lovely Blog Hop
Steampunk Research at Lanhydrock
I love visiting stately homes and grand country houses. There’s something about these glimpses into long gone lives that I find really fascinating. I’m also a sucker for costume drama and historical novels. However when I started writing a steampunk short story for the Write Romantics charity anthology I realised that I’d not learned as … Continue reading Steampunk Research at Lanhydrock
Museum of Witchcraft
While I was in Cornwall last week I couldn’t miss out on the opportunity to visit the Museum of Witchcraft in Boscastle. When I started writing Beltane I borrowed an introductory book on witchcraft from York library (which did result in some interesting looks from the library staff). Four years on I now own a … Continue reading Museum of Witchcraft
Out with the Old
Something odd happened to me today. Something that hardly ever happens. I had an overwhelming urge to have a clear out. And then, what’s more surprising, I actually did it. I’ve spent most of the day chucking things out, going through piles of paperwork, shredding (which I really hate) and tidying up again. For the … Continue reading Out with the Old
Alys West 